1. China’s Overseas Military Base in Djibouti: Features, Motivations, and Policy Implications
- Author:
- John Fei
- Publication Date:
- 12-2017
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- China Brief
- Institution:
- The Jamestown Foundation
- Abstract:
- China’s first overseas military base in Djibouti is near the U.S.’ sole military base in Africa—Camp Lemonnier—and signals China’s interest in protecting its growing economic and security interests in Africa and the Indian Ocean. While the base reflects China’s growing economic and security ambitions, it is unclear at present whether the facility represents just an effort for China to enhance its peacekeeping and humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities, or suggests greater ambitions. If, as some reports suggest, China does open more military bases in African and the Indian Ocean region, then the Djibouti base would mark the beginning of a sea-change in Chinese naval ambitions in the Indian Ocean region (Sina, December 19).
- Topic:
- Development, Military Strategy, Military Affairs, Economic Growth, Maritime, and Soft Power
- Political Geography:
- Africa, China, Asia, Djibouti, and United States of America